Apparatus for constraining the position of logs on a truck or trailer

ABSTRACT

The present invention embodies a method and structure for constraining logs on a truck or trailer without the use of safety wrapper chains or straps. In this apparatus, the stakes, bunks, bunk pockets, head board and tail board are used to constrain logs on the bed of the truck or trailer. The stakes may be permanently or semi-permanently fixed into a bunk pocket and the stakes constrain the movement of the logs from side to side on the truck or trailer. The head board and tail board are permanently attached to stakes which are correspondingly inserted into pockets welded into the bed of the trailer or truck and are permanently or semi-permanently fixed in the pockets. The head board and tail board constrain the movement of the logs from front to back on the truck or trailer. This systems configuration makes it possible for the logs to be hauled without the addition of safety wrapper chains or straps to secure the load. This makes loading quicker and easier and reduces overall vehicle weight and labor overhead.

[0001] This Application is a Continuation-in-Part of application Ser.No. 09/409,667, filed Sep. 30, 1999, entitled Extruded Bunk Stakes,Bunks And Bunk Pockets For Logging Trucks And Trailers, the entirecontents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method forconstraining the position of logs on a truck or trailer using permanentfixed stakes, head boards and tail boards, thus eliminating the need forsafety wrapper chains.

[0004] 2. Description of the Background Art

[0005] The hauling of logs on trucks or trailers is regulated closely bystate and federal regulations to assure safety in the transportation oflogs. A typical truck or trailer has fixed or movable stakes thatconstrain the logs on the truck or trailer. These stakes are placedinside a bunk pocket. The bunk pockets are secured to a bunk which is amember that passes under the truck or trailer bed and supports the bunkpocket into which the stakes are placed. Once the logs are placed on thetrailer inside the stakes, a safety wrapper chain or strap is added tofurther secure the logs to the truck or trailer bed in compliance withtransportation regulations. The wrapper chains or straps are necessaryto secure the logs and keep them from moving front to back or back tofront as the truck or trailer moves.

[0006] U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,977,717 and 3,977,695 show stakes which aredesigned to be easily removable. Further the stakes in U.S. Pat. No.3,977,695 can be latch released to allow logs to roll off a truck ortrailer.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,611,286 show stakes which are designedspecifically to be automatically extended.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,174,118 describes a pivoting bunk mounted on aplastic disc. This design focuses on bunks that pivot or rotate toaccommodate the turns that may be made as a truck or trailer rounds acorner.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 4,268,051 shows bunks and stakes which are notfixed elements. The stakes have roller inserts which can be welded intoa cross frame of a log trailer to provide low friction to a pivoted logbunk.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 4,003,585 details a cable and spooling device thatholds up or supports bunk stakes and can be released with a trip leverand the cable is then spooled into a storage area.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 4,280,712 details an articulation system for trucksand trailers which allows the truck and trailer to pivot in the center.

[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 4,790,712 details a carriage system that is notpart of a truck or trailer. The carriage or apparatus is first loaded,then a truck is backed under the load and the load is released to thebed of the truck.

[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 5,993,126 also details a pivoting bunk with stakesso that long loads can follow the trailer when the vehicle roundscorners.

[0014] There is a need in the art for a system which makes it possiblefor logs to be hauled without the addition of safety wrapper chains orstraps to secure the load.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The present invention fulfills the aforementioned need in the artby providing a system configuration for constraining logs to be hauledon a truck or trailer without the use of safety wrapper chains or strapsto secure the load. Stakes, bunks, bunk pockets, a head board and a tailboard are used to constrain logs on the bed of the truck or trailer.

[0016] The stakes in the present invention constrain the logs movementfrom side to side on the truck or trailer. The stakes are made oflightweight hardened aluminum and are formed using an extrusion processthat produces an internal web member that adds additional strength. Thestakes are designed to be fixed in a bunk pocket and are not typicallyremoved when the logs are unloaded. The stakes in the present inventionare not automatically extendible.

[0017] The bunks in the present invention are fixed in position and donot contain roller inserts, and do not move in any way as they arewelded into the frame of the truck or trailer bed. In this invention,the bunks and the bunk pockets are assembled from a series of steel orother ferrous or nonferrous materials and are welded together. In thisnovel system configuration, the stakes and bunks are fixed parts of thetrailer and therefore do not need to move as the truck rounds corners.

[0018] The head board and tail board constrain the logs movement fromfront to back on the truck or trailer. The head board and tail board arepermanently attached to stakes which are correspondingly inserted intopockets welded into the bed of the trailer or truck and may bepermanently fixed in the pockets. The head board and the tail board arecomprised of a series of horizontal and vertical members surrounded byan exterior frame and are also made of lightweight hardened aluminum orother lightweight composite materials. Anti-wear plastic or otheranti-wear materials or compositions are placed between aluminum andsteel members to avoid excessive wear on the aluminum or other ferrousor nonferrous stakes. The head board, tail board and stakes, being madeof lightweight aluminum or other ferrous or nonferrous materials, reduceoverall vehicle weight, thereby increasing the weight of the load thatcan be carried.

[0019] The use of cables to support bunk stakes is unnecessary in thisinvention due to the materials and method of securing them to the bunk.

[0020] Further scope of applicability of the present invention willbecome apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter.However, it should be understood that the detailed description andspecific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of theinvention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changesand modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art from this detaileddescription.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The present invention will become more fully understood from thedetailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawingswhich are given by way of illustration only, and thus, are notlimitative of the present invention, and wherein:

[0022]FIG. 1 illustrates an unloaded semi-tractor and trailer;

[0023]FIG. 2 illustrates a loaded semi-tractor and trailer;

[0024]FIG. 3 is a partial isometric view of a bunk, a bunk pocket, and astake of the present invention;

[0025]FIG. 4 is a partial isometric view of the bunk, bunk pocket andstake of the present invention, with the bunk pocket shown partially cutaway;

[0026]FIG. 5 is a front view of the stake secured in the bunk pocket,with the bunk pocket shown partially cut away;

[0027]FIG. 6 is a partial isometric view of a second embodiment of abunk, bunk pocket, and stake of the present invention;

[0028]FIG. 7 is an end view of a stake according to the presentinvention;

[0029]FIG. 8 is a front view of a first embodiment of a head boardwithout a notch for the loading boom;

[0030]FIG. 9 is a front view of a second embodiment of a head board ofthe present invention having a notch for a loading boom fabricated intothe frame;

[0031]FIG. 10 is a front view of a tail board of the present invention;

[0032]FIG. 11 is an enlarged front view of a portion of the tail boardshowing the connection; and

[0033]FIG. 12 is an enlarged rear view of a portion of the tail boardshowing the connection.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] Referring in detail to the drawings, and with particularreference to FIGS. 1 and 2, an apparatus 10 for constraining theposition of logs 12 on a trailer 14 is shown. FIG. 1 illustrates anunloaded semi-tractor 16 and trailer 14, and FIG. 2 illustrates a loadedsemi-tractor 16 and trailer 14.

[0035] The forward end of the trailer 14 includes a head board 20 whichprevents undesirable forward movement of the logs 12 during transport.The head board 20 supports a grapple 22 used to load and unload logs 12onto and off of the trailer 14. The grapple 22 includes an upper boomsection 24 pivotally connected to a lower boom section 26, which isrotatably mounted to the trailer 14.

[0036] A plurality of extruded aluminum stakes 30 extend along bothsides of the trailer 14 and prevent lateral shifting of the logs 12. Thestakes 30 are arranged in steel bunk pockets 32 which are located atopposite ends of a bunk 34 (see FIG. 3) extending laterally across thebed of the trailer 14.

[0037] The rearward end of the trailer 14 includes a tail board 40 whichprevents undesirable rearward movement of the logs 12 during transport.Together, the head board 20, stakes 30, and tail board 40 prevent thelogs 12 from shifting off of the front, sides, and rear of the trailer14 without the use of safety wrapper chains or straps 18 extending overthe logs.

[0038] A plurality of optional safety wrapper straps or chains 18 arevisible on the loaded truck in FIG. 2, but such straps or chains 18 arenot necessary. They are merely shown to illustrate where they would beif there were no head board 20 or tail board 40.

[0039] A description of the preferred stake 30, bunk 34, bunk pocket 32,head board 20, and tail board 40 follows. However, it is to beunderstood that the present invention is not limited to the preferredmaterials, structural configurations or dimensions as described herein,and that these aspects can be changed or modified without departing fromthe scope of this invention.

[0040] FIGS. 3-5 illustrate a portion of a bunk 34, a steel bunk pocket32 located at the end of the bunk 34, and an extruded aluminum stake 30located in the bunk pocket 32. In the preferred embodiment, each bunk 34is constructed from rectangular tubular steel, and is 3″×6″×0.375″.However, it should be understood that the bunk 34 is not limited tothese dimensions, structural configuration or materials. The length ofthe bunk 34 depends on the width of the truck or trailer 14.

[0041] The bunks 34 are typically attached under or on top of a trailer14 or truck frame in multiples and are perpendicular to the length ofthe truck or trailer 14. The steel bunks 34 meet or exceed thetransportation regulations for strength. The bunks 34 serve as a supportmember for the bunk pocket 32 and the stake 30 which is placed insidethe bunk pocket 32.

[0042] A stake retaining plate 42 is welded to the end of the bunk 34,and is used to secure the stake 30 in the bunk pocket 32. A bolt 44 isthen inserted through both the stake retaining plate 42 and the stake30, and is secured with a washer 46 and a nut 48. Other suitablefasteners may also be used, such as pins, clips, etc.

[0043] Once the stakes 30 are placed inside the bunk pocket 32, theretaining bolt 44 is placed through the stake retaining plate 42 and thestake 30 to secure the stake 30 in position. The retaining bolt 44 issubsequently secured with the washer 46 and the locking hex nut 48.Preferably, the retaining bolt 44, washer 46 and nut 48 are ⅝, and theretaining bolt 44 is 5″ in length, although other suitable sizes may beutilized. Although not shown in the drawings, the lower end of the bunkpocket 32 may include a bottom wall, a bottom lip extending around allor part of the inner perimeter of the bunk pocket, or some other stopmember attached thereto in order to prevent the stake 30 from slidingdownwardly through the bunk pocket 32.

[0044] In the preferred embodiment, each bunk pocket 32 is constructedfrom rectangular tubular steel, and the overall dimensions are4″×5″×0.375″. The length of the bunk pocket 32 is 8″ to 18″ depending onthe particular application. However, it should be understood that thebunk pocket 32 is not limited to these dimensions, structuralconfiguration or materials. The bunk pocket is cut at a 45 degrees angleon the top and bottom.

[0045] The bunk pocket 32 is welded to a support gusset 50, which iscorrespondingly welded to the bunk 34. The support gusset 50 ispreferably cut from 3″×6″×¼″ wall steel structural tube material,although other sizes and shapes may be used. The tube material is cut atapproximately a 44 degree angle at each end so that the support gusset50 has three side walls. Two of the side walls have a triangular shapeand are located opposite to one another, and the remaining one of theside walls is rectangular and interconnects the two triangular shapedwalls. Only one triangular side wall of the support gusset 50 is shownin FIG. 4, and is shown slightly recessed from the bunk 34. However, thesupport gusset 50 may also be configured flush with the bunk 34.

[0046] The support gusset 50, being cut on the ends at an angle, formsan angle  of 88 degrees between the bunk 34 and the bunk pocket 32.However, it should be understood that the angle is not limited to 88degrees. The angle cuts on the ends of the support gusset 50 causes thestakes 30 to angle inwardly toward the center of the truck or trailer 14to offset the load that will be placed against the stake 30 when thetrailer 14 is loaded.

[0047]FIG. 4 illustrates the steel bunk pocket 32, a portion of whichhas been cut away revealing an anti-wear plastic insert 52 locatedbetween the extruded aluminum stake 30 and the steel bunk pocket 32. Theinsert 52 may preferably be 0.100″ to 0.125″ in thickness. Anotheranti-wear plastic insert 54 is arranged between the steel stakeretaining plate 42 and the extruded aluminum stake 30. This preventswear on the ends of the stakes 30 which are made of extruded hardenedaluminum. The anti-wear plastic inserts 52, 54 are preferably attachedto the bunk pocket 32 and the stake retaining plate 42, although it isconceivable to instead cover the lower end of the stake 30 withanti-wear material.

[0048]FIG. 5 illustrates a view of the extruded aluminum stake 30secured in a steel bunk pocket 32, which is partially cut away to revealthe anti-wear plastic insert 52. Also seen in this view are the steelstake retaining plate 42, the stake retaining bolt 44 with washer 46,and the corresponding nut 48 and washer 46. The bottom of the extrudedaluminum stake 30 is visible showing the hollow portions of the stake 30and a centrally located web 56.

[0049]FIG. 6 illustrates a second embodiment of a bunk 34, a steel bunkpocket 32, and an extruded aluminum stake 30. The steel bunk pocket 32is integrally formed with or secured to the steel bunk 34, and a steelgusset 50 interconnects a side wall of the bunk pocket 32 to the bunk34. The extruded aluminum stake 30 is secured in place with a bolt 44,washers 46 and a nut 48. To reduce wear, an anti-wear plastic insert 52has been inserted between the steel bunk pocket 32 and the extrudedaluminum stake 30.

[0050]FIG. 7 illustrates an end view of the extruded aluminum stake 30.The stake 30 includes an internal web 56 traversing the interior of thestake 30 from front to back which, along with radiused corners 58, 60,adds significant strength to the stake 30. The thickness of the walls 62is 0.29″, and the thickness of the web 56 is 0.29″. The overall width ofthe stake 30 is 3″, and the overall depth is 4″. The radiuses of theinside corners 58 are 0.29″, and the radiuses of the outside corners are0.50″. It should be understood that the stake 30 is not limited to thepreferred materials, structural configurations or dimensions, and can bechanged or modified without departing from the scope of this invention.

[0051] The stake 30 is preferably manufactured using an extrusion methodfrom aluminum or other lightweight metals or materials. The lightweightmaterials of the stakes 30 makes the overall vehicle weight less andthus allows for a greater load capacity. The web 56 is formed during theextrusion process, and extends the complete length of the interior ofthe extruded stake 30. The extruded stake 30 is vertically positionablein a bunk pocket 32. The stakes 30 are fixed in the steel bunk pockets32 by the bolt 44 as discussed above. However, the stakes 30 may also bepermanently secured into the bunk pockets 32 by welding or otherpermanent securing methods.

[0052] An analysis was performed by comparing the relative strength ofcurrent steel stakes to that of their aluminum counterparts. A test loadwas developed using the known maximum payload of a trailer 14,approximately 70,000 pounds. The current stakes are made from a50,000-psi yield strength material. The design is stable and very fewfailures were seen. Thus, if an aluminum stake 30 could be made to be asstrong as steel, it too should show similar stability under the 70,000pound load.

[0053] A first test was performed to determine the tensile strength. Thestakes 30 and bunks 34 were modeled together for a realistic stresstest. A load of 4,000 pounds was applied to the top side of the bunk 34.The load was derived by using 70,000 pound payload divided by the eightbunks 34 that would be on the trailer 14. This number was then dividedinto uniform loads that would sit above the frame rail and on each sideof the frame rails. The model is only of the bunk 34 from the inside ofthe frame rail to the outside of the trailer 14. A 1,500 pound load wasapplied to the inside face of the stake 30. This load simulates theforce of the logs 12 wanting to roll off the pile and exerting forceagainst the stake 30. This load also simulates the force of the loaderpushing the logs 12 down to situate them.

[0054] A second test was performed to determine the endurance. Thestakes 30 and bunks 34 were put through a test consisting of 500,000,000high stress loading cycles. This exceeds the normal number of stresscycles in the usual life of a stake 30 and a bunk 34. The normal numberof stress cycles in the life of a bunk 34 and stake 30 is 3,120,000cycles. The following chart illustrates the calculations used todetermine the number of stress cycles in the life of a bunk 34 and stake30: Operation No. of Stress Cycles Times Per Day Loading 40 4 Hauling 204 Unloading 40 4

[0055] Total per day=400

[0056] Total per week (6-day work week)=2400

[0057] Total per year (52 weeks per year)=124,800

[0058] Total per life (25 years)=3,120,000

[0059] The number of high stress cycles are less than 500 million in thelifetime of this invention, and the minimum yield strength is higherthan 20,000 psi. The force applied to an element, divided by the area towhich the force is applied is known as stress. For example, if a 10″ by10″ square column carries a 120,000 pound load, it's stress iscalculated by dividing 120,000 by 100, which equals 1,200 pounds persquare inch, abbreviated 1,200 psi.

[0060] The results of the load carrying tests reveal that the aluminumdesign is twenty-five percent stronger than the steel design. The6061-T6 aluminum used in the second test has a yield strength ofapproximately 40,000 psi compared to steels rated 50,000 psi, whichmakes the aluminum twenty percent weaker than the steel counterpart.Although weaker than the steel in psi, the aluminum well exceeds thefederal regulations on stakes. Stress plots generated revealed that thealuminum extrusion stakes 30 of this invention show stress levels lowerthan that of steel stakes. The steel has the initial advantage in termsof ultimate tensile strength (psi), but this invention has a fifty-fourpercent lower stress level, and it is twice as strong as a steel stake.

[0061] Radiused corners 58, 60 must carry their own weight plus thepressure of a load placed within the confines of the trailer 14 ortruck. Because of the arch action of horizontal curvatures, the pressureof loads against the face of the stakes 30 is channeled to the sides ofthe stake 30 that are perpendicular to the load, and ultimately to thebunk 34 and bunk pocket 32, into which the stake 30 is secured. Loadsaccumulate along vertical medians, and they become more and morecompressed as they approach the radiused corners 58, 60. As in theconstruction of arches, radiused corners 58, 60 provide additionalstrength. This invention complies with the configuration of a monolithicstructure, allowing for the reduction in the wall thickness of theextruded stake 30, as loads, and the force of the load is distributedmore evenly to the sides of the stake 30.

[0062] The continuity of radiused corners 58, 60 allows such reductionof thickness by introducing actions along horizontal sections orparallels that prevent the sides of the stake 30 from being distorted.The parallels or walls of the stake 30 behave like the curvatures of anarch. Further, the additional member or centrally located web 56 allowsthe stake 30 to twist as a result of load stress to a greater extent,without failure of the stakes structural integrity. The centrallylocated web member 56 adds additional strength and rigidity to the stake30.

[0063] It is to be understood the invention is not limited to thenumerical, material, or structural configurations in the descriptions inthe above embodiment. Further, the elements, stake 30, bunk 34, and bunkpockets 32 can be used individually or in combination with one another,and with stakes 30, bunks 34 and bunk pockets 32 made from differentmaterials. The stakes 30, bunks 34 and bunk pockets 32 may be formed asdisclosed herein, or as disclosed in co-pending application Ser. No.09/409,667, filed Sep. 30, 1999, the entire contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference.

[0064]FIG. 8 illustrates a first embodiment of a head board 20. The headboard 20 is secured to two extruded aluminum stakes 70 using eightU-bolts 72 and eight corresponding plates 74. The plates 74 are securedto the U-bolts 72 with nuts 76. This type of head board 20 is employedon trailers 14 or trucks which do not have their own internal loadingequipment and are thus loaded from the outside. Alternatively, thestakes 70 may be welded to the head board 20 as opposed to beingattached with U-bolts 72 and plates 74.

[0065] Although not limited to particular dimensions, structuralconfiguration or materials, the preferred embodiment of the head board20 is 7 to 9 feet wide and 4 to 10 feet tall depending on the truck ortrailer 14. The tubular material comprising the outer frame 78 is2″×2″×0.250″. The aluminum tubing used to construct the horizontal framemembers 80 is 2″×2″×0.250″, and the aluminum tubing used to constructinterior vertical members 82 is ¾″×1½″×0.125″. The head board 20 issecured to two vertical stakes 70 using U-bolts 72 and plates 74 asdescribed above, and the stakes 70 are inserted into the steel pockets84. An anti-wear plastic material may be placed between the aluminumstakes 70 and the steel pockets 84.

[0066] In situations where the truck or trailer 14 has a loadingmechanism, the head board 20 may have a notch 86 formed into the upperedge of the frame 78 to accommodate the upper boom section 24 of theloading mechanism. FIG. 9 illustrates a second embodiment of a headboard 20 having a notch 86 fabricated into the frame 78 for receivingand supporting the loading boom. To support the grapple 22, an aluminumsupport frame 88 has been added to the head board 20 to provide agrapple support rack fabricated on the tractor side of the head board20. The head board 20 restrains the logs 12 and keeps them from movingforward during transport. Further, the lightweight materials of the headboard 20 make the overall vehicle weight less and thus allows for agreater load capacity.

[0067] FIGS. 10-12 illustrate a tail board 40 of the present invention.In the preferred embodiment, the tail board 40 is 7 to 9 feet wide and 4to 10 feet tall depending on the truck or trailer. The tail board 40 isconstructed of horizontal members 80 and vertical members 82 constrainedby an outer frame 78. The tail board 40 is constructed from rectangularaluminum tubing. The aluminum tubular material used to construct theouter frame 78 is 2″×2″×0.250″. The aluminum tubular material used toconstruct the horizontal frame members 80 is 2″×2″×0.250″. The aluminumtubular material used to construct the interior vertical members 82 is¾″×1½″×0.125″. The lightweight materials of the tail board 40 makes theoverall vehicle weight less and thus allows for a greater load capacity.These materials and dimensions given are one example, and the presentinvention is not limited to these dimensions, structural configurationor materials.

[0068] The tail board 40 is secured to two vertical extruded aluminumstakes 70 using eight U-bolts 72 and corresponding plates 74, similarlyto the method used to secure the head board 20 to the stakes 70. Theplates 74 are secured to the U-bolts 72 with nuts 76. The stakes 70 arethen secured into pockets 84 located at the rear of the truck or trailer14 which are a steel welded component of the truck or trailer. Ananti-wear plastic material may be placed between the aluminum stakes 70and the pockets 84. The tail board 40 restrains the logs 12 and keepsthem from moving backward during transport.

[0069] Since the head board 20 constrains logs 12 from moving forward,the tail board 40 constrains the logs 12 from moving backward, and thestakes 30 constrain the logs 12 from moving side to side, the logs 12are immobilized, thus eliminating the need for safety wrapper chains 18and reducing loading time and overall weight. However, the presentinvention may be used with safety wrapper chains or straps if desired orrequired in a particular jurisdiction.

[0070] The entire contents of each of the U.S. Patents listed anddiscussed in this application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0071] The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that thesame may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regardedas a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all suchmodifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are to beincluded within the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for constraining a load comprising:a bunk; a bunk pocket supported by said bunk; and a stake verticallypositionable in said bunk pocket, said bunk pocket comprising: aplurality of side walls surrounding said stake; a gusset interconnectingone of said side walls to said bunk; one of said bunk and said bunkpocket including a stake retaining portion; and a fastenerinterconnecting said stake retaining portion to said stake to therebysecure said stake in said bunk pocket.
 2. The apparatus for constraininga load according to claim 1, wherein said bunk pocket is bottomless suchthat said stake is freely slidable through the bunk pocket, and saidfastener prevents said stake from sliding through said bunk pocket. 3.The apparatus for constraining a load according to claim 1, wherein saidbunk pocket includes an anti-wear insert therein to prevent wear of saidstake positioned within said bunk pocket.
 4. The apparatus forconstraining a load according to claim 1, wherein said gusset has firstand second side edges oriented at approximately 88 degrees with respectto one another, said first edge being fixed to said bunk, and saidsecond edge being fixed to said bunk pocket, whereby said bunk pocket isoriented at approximately 88 degrees with respect to said bunk.
 5. Theapparatus for constraining a load according to claim 1, wherein upperand lower faces of said bunk pocket are slanted downwardly proceeding ina direction toward said bunk.
 6. The apparatus for constraining a loadaccording to claim 1, wherein said stake comprises a main body having acentrally located supporting web integrally formed therein traversing adepth of said stake, said web being positioned perpendicular to a loadthat said stake will constrain and extending the complete length of theinterior of said stake.
 7. The apparatus for constraining a loadaccording to claim 6, wherein said stake includes internally andexternally radiused corners which add to the structural integrity ofsaid stake, said radiused corners of said stake, on the outside corners,internally and externally, and internally adjacent to said centrallylocated web, transferring the pressure of the load constrained by saidstakes to said centrally located web and to side walls of said main bodyparallel to said web.
 8. The apparatus for constraining a load accordingto claim 1, wherein said stake retaining portion comprises a stakeretaining plate secured to said bunk.
 9. The apparatus for constraininga load according to claim 8, wherein said stake includes an apertureextending therethrough, said stake retaining plate includes an apertureextending therethrough, and said fastener passes through said aperturein said stake and said aperture in said stake retaining plate.
 10. Theapparatus for constraining a load according to claim 8, wherein saidstake retaining plate includes an anti-wear insert therein to preventwear of said stake positioned there against.
 11. The apparatus forconstraining a load according to claim 1, wherein said stake retainingportion comprises a lower portion of said bunk pocket.
 12. The apparatusfor constraining a load according to claim 11, wherein said stakeincludes an aperture extending therethrough, said bunk pocket includesan aperture extending therethrough, and said fastener passes throughsaid aperture in said stake and said aperture in said bunk pocket. 13.The apparatus for constraining a load according to claim 1, wherein saidbunk pocket is integrally formed with said bunk as a one-piece unitarymember.
 14. An apparatus for constraining a load comprising: a frame; apair of spaced-apart pockets supported by said frame; and a panelvertically positionable in said pockets, said panel comprising: an outerframe including a top member, a bottom member, and a pair ofspaced-apart side members interconnecting ends of said top member tosaid bottom member; a plurality of spaced-apart horizontal membersattached to said side members; and a pair of stakes secured to saidhorizontal members, said stakes being insertable in said pockets. 15.The apparatus for constraining a load according to claim 14, furthercomprising fasteners for securing said stakes to said horizontalmembers, each of said fasteners including: first and second U-boltspartially surrounding one of said stake and said horizontal member; afirst plate interconnecting a first end of said first U-bolt to a firstend of said second U-bolt; and a second plate interconnecting a secondend of said first U-bolt to a second end of said second U-bolt.
 16. Theapparatus for constraining a load according to claim 14, furthercomprising: a first plurality of vertical members attached to said topmember and a first one of said horizontal members; and a secondplurality of vertical members attached to said bottom member and asecond one of said horizontal members.
 17. The apparatus forconstraining a load according to claim 14, wherein said stake comprisesa main body having a centrally located supporting web integrally formedtherein traversing a depth of said stake, said web being positionedperpendicular to a load that said stake will constrain and extending thecomplete length of the interior of said stake.
 18. The apparatus forconstraining a load according to claim 17, wherein said stake includesinternally and externally radiused corners which add to the structuralintegrity of said stake, saids radiused corners of said stake, on theoutside corners, internally and externally, and internally adjacent tosaid centrally located web, transferring the pressure of the loadconstrained by said stakes to said centrally located web and to sidewalls of said main body parallel to said web.
 19. The apparatus forconstraining a load according to claim 14, wherein said pocket includesan anti-wear insert therein to prevent wear of said stake positionedthereagainst.
 20. The apparatus for constraining a load according toclaim 14, wherein said outer frame comprises aluminum material having ahollow rectangular cross-section.
 21. The apparatus for constraining aload according to claim 16, wherein said horizontal members and saidvertical members each comprise aluminum material having a hollowrectangular cross-section.
 22. The apparatus for constraining a loadaccording to claim 14, wherein said panel is a head board located at aforward end of said frame.
 23. The apparatus for constraining a loadaccording to claim 14, wherein said panel is a tail board located at arearward end of said frame.
 24. The apparatus for constraining a loadaccording to claim 14, wherein said panel includes a notch formed insaid top member, and a grapple support rack located on one side of saidpanel.
 25. An apparatus for constraining a load of logs on a vehiclecomprising: a load supporting frame; a plurality of bunks attached tosaid frame; a plurality of bunk pockets attached to each of said bunks;a plurality of stakes vertically positioned in said bunk pockets; aplurality of front stake pockets and a plurality of rear stake pocketsattached to said frame; a head board vertically positioned in said frontstake pockets; and a tail board vertically positioned in said rear stakepockets, whereby said stakes constrain the logs from moving side toside, said head board constrains the logs from moving forward, and saidtail board constrains the logs from moving rearward.
 26. The apparatusfor constraining a load of logs on a vehicle according to claim 25,wherein said head board and said tail board each comprise a panelincluding: an outer frame including a top member, a bottom member, and apair of spaced-apart side members interconnecting ends of said topmember to said bottom member; a plurality of spaced-apart horizontalmembers attached to said side members; and a pair of stakes secured tosaid horizontal members, said stakes being insertable in said pockets.